Detectives are investigating string of unlocked car burglaries in Ada County

If there is one concept we here at the Ada County Sheriff’s Office would like our residents to embrace above all others, it would be: lock your stuff up.

The best way to avoid being a victim of theft is to make sure your homes and vehicles are locked all the time.

At least 25 people had their unlocked cars broken into all over Ada County since Sept. 1. No part of the county has been spared.

Neighborhoods in Star and in the Amity/Cloverdale/Five Mile/Lake Hazel roads neighborhood in south Ada County were particularly hard hit, with at least nine burglaries in each area. We’ve also taken vehicle burglary reports in Eagle, Kuna, and northern unincorporated Ada County.

In two cases, people have reported handguns being taken from their cars. Other people have reported stolen laptops, wallets, jewelry, credit cards, purses, cash, electronic equipment, cell phones, and various other items.

There have been numerous cases over the years of people walking through neighborhoods at night and checking to see if cars and trucks are locked.

If they are not, thieves then go through and steal anything of value.

It is not uncommon for those same burglars to check garage doors as well and take whatever they can steal, like tools and sports equipment.

The best way to combat all that is to lock your cars, trucks — and doors to your home and garage areas. Be sure to take all valuables inside. It also helps to keep an outside light on at night as well.

Anyone with information on the burglaries should call Ada County non-emergency dispatch at 377-6790.